The Norwegian Rat: Magnus Carlsen's Secret Weapon (Part 3)

The Norwegian Rat
World Champion Magnus Carlsen's Secret Weapon
GM Ron W. Henley

Magnus has played the Norwegian Rat since 2010, but in recent years has scored 4 wins and 1 loss in World Championship Blitz Events, including wins versus Anand and Caruana!

In the last two years, he began employing the Norwegian Rat in his 13 part Chess24.com Banter Blitz series while taunting his opponents “Can anyone equalize against the Rat?” While crushing GMs rated from 2500 to 3200 as well as non-masters, Magnus racked up a stunning 19 wins and 1 loss! 

Volume 3 (2 Hours 30 minutes)

1) White's 5th move alternatives: White avoids capturing the Black Knight on e4, but these rarely played options offer Black excellent counterplay!
1.e4 g6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 d5 4.e5 Ne4!, and now 5.f3, 5.Nf3, 5.h3, or 5.Qf3 - 

2) White Exchanges on d5
1.e4 g6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 d5 4.exd5 Nxd5 5.Nxd5

3) White captures twice on d5, but Black has an improved version of the Scandinavian Defense which Magnus quite likes.
1.e4 g6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 d5 4.exd5 Nxd5 5.Nxd5 Qxd5

4) White captures once on d5, giving Black rapid development and active piece play.
1.e4 g6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 d5 4.exd5 Nxd5 5.Nf3, or 3.Nc3 d5 4.exd5 Nxd5 5.Bc4

5) White’s e4 gambit - White sacrifices the e4 pawn, but does gain some time.
1.e4 g6 2.d4 Nf6 3.??? 

6) Bf1-Bd3 vs. Pirc Defense
1.e4 g6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Bd3 A a solid approach that gives Black a comfortable game